July! July! Silents, Westerns and the end of the Red Vic

July was filled with lots of classics seen on the big screen, lots of silent films – including the glorious four days that was the San Francisco Silent Film Festival – and a handful of westerns. I saw nine films at the Castro Theatre (not counting the 35 features and shorts I saw during the SFSFF) – two of which I had never seen before. Before you freak out at the costs – most of those were double features (so two for $10). At the Red Vic I saw five films – again, two of which I had never seen before. Sadly on July 25th the Red Vic closed its doors for good. Lastly I saw The Red Shoes at the Balboa (a theatre I can’t wait to get to know better). I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, but there is just nothing like seeing a film – whether it is classic or modern, new-to-you or an old favorite – on the big screen. It is just magical. Also in July I found myself falling in love with classic westerns. I grew up watching Clint Eastwood westerns as a child, but I never thought I would find myself so drawn to these other classics, most of which starred either John Wayne or Henry Fonda (in one case, both!). I’m so glad I gave them a chance, because most of the ones I’ve seen have been fantastic. But enough intro, the full list is after the cut.

Like I said, I fell in love with classic westerns and this month two of them made it onto my favorites. Actually, I think I’d rather call this section “featured” because picking just five “favorites” each month keeps getting harder and harder. Also, two of the films I’m featuring I saw for the first time on the big screen (neither of which are 2011 releases).

The Tin Star, 1957 (dir. Anthony Mann)

This film contains some of the best black and white cinematography I’ve ever seen. It’s just so crisp and beautiful. Henry Fonda and Anthony Perkins are so great, both when they share the screen and when they are apart. True to Anthony Mann’s spirit, the film deals with themes way beyond your average western.

The Pope of Greenwich Village, 1984 (dir. Stuart Rosenberg)

I saw this at the Castro Theatre as part of Midnite for Maniacs’ tribute to the summer of 1984 (I only saw this film and Streets of Fire – which is also great – but the mini-festival featured eight films over two days). The film stars Mickey Rourke and Eric Roberts in two of their best and most complex roles. It also features an Academy Award-nominated performance from Geraldine Page – who is only on-screen for two scenes. This is truly an actor’s showcase type film.

What’s Up, Doc?, 1972 (dir. Peter Bogdanovich)

This is Bogdanovich’s tribute to classic screwball comedies with a touch of slapstick. I saw this at the Red Vic and I laughed non-stop through the whole film. Barbra Streisand and Ryan O’Neal are absolutely fantastic together and the film contains an uproariously madcap chase through the streets of San Francisco. If this film doesn’t make you laugh as well, you probably don’t have a soul.

Rio Grande, 1950 (dir. John Ford)

My favorite of the several Ford/Wayne collaborations that I watched this month. It also features a spitfire Maureen O’Hara. Wayne and O’Hara made several films together and their chemistry is off the charts. I must say I have never found myself attracted to John Wayne before, but boy was I in this. It must have been his mustache.

The China Syndrome, 1979 (dir. James Bridges)

Starring Jane Fonda, Michael Douglas and Jack Lemmon, the film is about an accident at a nuclear power plant that is narrowly avoided. However, a larger problem with plant is revealed. The film’s three leads are on fire and the tension of the film never lets up for a moment. This is definitely one of the most thrilling films I’ve ever seen.